Muv-Luv and its sequel Muv-Luv Alternative were originally sold as Windows PC adventure games and became popular with many bishoujo game enthusiasts. The games have continued to be popular more than 10 years later spawning several spin-off works and multiple console editions, and now the two games are set to be released on PlayStation Vita on Jan. 21, 2016.
At the same time, the two games will also be available in one package known as the “Muv-Luv Double Pack.” The PS Vita edition reproduces the well-loved performance functions from the PC version plus touch screen swiping and newly illustrated packaging, so it incorporates its own unique features too.
On top of that, for the physical First Release Limited Edition of the Muv-Luv Double Pack will include a product code for the Muv-Luv Alternative spin-off prologue set 18 years before the original - Schwarzesmarken: Kouketsu no Monshou (Preview Edition), so you're getting three titles altogether.
The First Release Limited Edition of the Muv-Luv Double Pack will also include a product code for Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse - Teito Moyu. Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse is a spin-off set in Alaska 11 months before the main story and recounts the past of its heroine, Yui Takamura.
Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative will also be produced in an English language edition, so the worldwide popularity of the Muv-Luv franchise seems set to grow even further.
So, let’s take a look at Muv-Luv and its sequel Muv-Luv Alternative individually:
■ Muv-Luv
In February 2003, Muv-Luv was released as a “Super Easy School Adventure” game for the PC. The player takes on the role of third year student at Hakuryo University Affiliated Hiiragi Academy, Takeru Shirogane. You pass the days enjoying comical episodes with childhood friends, mysterious wealthy girls and classmates, falling in love along the way.
・Story
The protagonist, Takeru Shirogane, spends his ordinary life with his childhood friend and neighbour, Sumika Kagami, until one day the heiress to an international conglomerate, Meiya Mitsurugi, suddenly appears in front of him. Meiya announces that she and Takeru are bound by “absolute fate” and just like that she moves in with him. From that day forth, Takeru’s life changes completely. Problems with beautiful classmates and friends occur one after the other. The actions that Takeru takes also start to have an expected influence on them and their relationships begin to deepen. Along with all that, Takeru’s own fate undergoes a massive change too…
・Characters
■ Muv-Luv Alternative
*Muv-Luv Alternative* is the sequel to Muv-Luv, released for Windows PC in February 2006. Takeru Shirogane who has experienced a fierce battle in a parallel world travels back in time where, in order to change the future, he must fight a lonely battle. In addition to the characters who appeared in Muv-Luv, Mitsuki Hayase and Haruka Suzumiya who appear in âge's hit game Kimi ga Nozomu Eien and Michiru Izumi from Kimi ga Ita Kisetsu also enjoy a change of scene by turning up in Muv-Luv Alternative.
・Story
The protagonist, Takeru Shirogane, who thought himself to be living in a peaceful Japan, suddenly wakes up in the unfamiliar world of Oct. 22, 2001. In this parallel world, humanity has been fighting a fierce battle against the extra terrestrial BETA for decades. Takeru is in a Japan in which military matters have become the top priority.
Not knowing how he came to end up in such a place, Takeru is bewildered but gradually begins to accept the situation and becomes a soldier to fight the BETA. However, humanity eventually decides to abandon Earth.
Three years later, Takeru wakes up from a deep sleep and realises he’s returned to his own room in his original world. “Was it all a dream?” Takeru wonders, but the calendar on his bedroom wall shows the date as Oct. 22, 2001, and everything outside of his room is in ruins…
・Characters
!Kei Ayamine, Mikoto Yoroi, Kasumi Yashiro, Marimo Jinguuji, Yuuko Kouzuki](https://d3ieicw58ybon5.cloudfront.net/ex/640.400/u/5c0068dc6540423f90043b7ef0d4e292.jpg)
■ Muv-Luv & Muv-Luv Alternative English Localization Kickstarter
A Kickstarter for the Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative English localization reached its starting goal of $250,000 within eight hours of launching. A week later, it achieved its stretch goal of $500,000. Because of this, the English language version of the PS Vita edition will be developed even earlier than the Japanese version! The project was supported by many fans of the Muv-Luv series (about 8,000 people!) and the final amount pledged was around $1.25 million.
The reward products promised by the Kickstarter are currently being manufactured, and if you’re interested, you can check the progress of the project via the Kickstarter campaign page.
■Specs
*Muv-Luv*
Release Date: Jan. 21, 2016
Device: PlayStation Vita
Prices:
Package Edition - 5,800 yen (excluding tax)
Download Edition - 5,800 yen (excluding tax)
Genre: Super Easy Academy Adventure
Scenario: Kouki Yoshimune & Hanjuuryoku Seimei Maa
Rating: Cero D
First Release Limited Edition Bonus: Schwarzesmarken: Kouketsu no Monshou (Preview Edition) Product Code
Muv-Luv Alternative
Release Date: Jan. 21, 2016
Device: PlayStation Vita
Prices:
Package Edition - 5,800 yen (excluding tax)
Download Edition - 5,800 yen (excluding tax)
Genre: Fairytale of Love & Courage
Scenario: Kouki Yoshimune
Rating: Cero D
First Release Limited Edition Bonus: Schwarzesmarken: Kouketsu no Monshou (Preview Edition) Product Code
Muv-Luv Double Pack
Release Date: Jan. 21, 2016
Device: PlayStation Vita
Price: Package Edition - 9,800 yen (excluding tax)
Genre: Super Easy Academy Adventure / Fairytale of Love & Courage
Scenario: Kouki Yoshimune & Hanjuuryoku Seimei Maa
Rating: Cero D
First Release Limited Edition Bonuses:
*Schwarzesmarken: Kouketsu no Monshou* (Preview Edition) Product Code
*Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse - Teito Moyu* product code
PS Vita Muv-Luv & Muv-Luv Alternative Official Site
Muv-Luv & Muv-Luv Alternative English Language Edition Kickstarter
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